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Sita Kadam-Zope performing Odissi

Meet the Founder

Sita Kadam-Zope

Odissi Nritya Visharad ยท Performer ยท Choreographer ยท Educator ยท Founder, SITA

Sita Kadam-Zope โ€” Odissi performer

Early Life & Calling

A Dancer Born to the Stage

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Sita Kadam-Zope's journey with Odissi began in childhood. Making her first stage appearance at the age of just seven, she demonstrated from the very outset a natural affinity for classical movement and expression that would define her life's work.

Raised in a culturally rich environment with deep spiritual roots, Sita's formative years were shaped by an abiding connection to the Jagannath tradition โ€” the Lord of the Universe whose worship forms the very soul of Odissi's sacred origins.

Her spiritual path was further illuminated by the teachings and inspiration of His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj, whose vision of devotional art as a path to divine consciousness deeply influenced her approach to Odissi.

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Maharashtra First Rank Nritya Visharad Examination

Sacred Transmission

Guru Parampara

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The unbroken lineage that flows through SITA's teaching โ€” from master to disciple, across generations of devoted artists.

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Padma Vibhushan

Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra

The father of modern Odissi. Padma Vibhushan awardee and one of India's most revered classical dance masters, credited with systematising and restoring Odissi to its present form.

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Guru Jhelum Paranjape

A distinguished direct disciple and senior exponent of the Kelucharan tradition, carrying forward the authentic vocabulary of classical Odissi.

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Guru Sanatan Chakravarty

A revered Odissi master and teacher, whose guidance has shaped numerous accomplished dancers across the world.

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Sita Kadam-Zope

Founder, SITA | Odissi Nritya Visharad

Carrying the torch of this sacred lineage to students across 12 countries through the Spiritual Institute of Traditional Arts, founded 2019.

On Stage & In the World

Artistic Journey & Achievements

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India Performances

Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai
One of Mumbai's most prestigious performance venues, where Sita graced the stage before a discerning classical arts audience.
Royal Opera House Mumbai
India's only surviving 19th-century opera house โ€” a landmark performance setting of historic cultural significance.
Birla Matoshree Sabhagruha
An acclaimed Mumbai cultural venue hosting some of India's most esteemed classical arts events.
Veer Savarkar Auditorium
An iconic Mumbai performance space with a rich tradition of hosting classical dance and music.

Netherlands & International

Ins Blau Theatre, Netherlands
A prominent Dutch cultural venue showcasing international performing arts, where Sita brought the beauty of Odissi to European audiences.
Marriott Hotel, The Hague
An elegant performance in the heart of the Netherlands' international city, connecting Indian classical art with the diplomatic community.
World Forum, The Hague
One of the Netherlands' premier event venues, showcasing Odissi at an international platform.
India House, Netherlands
A cultural performance celebrating Indian heritage in the diplomatic heart of the Netherlands.

Special Recognition

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Performance Before Prime Minister

Honoured to perform before Prime Minister Narendra Modi โ€” a landmark recognition of artistic excellence.

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Ambassador Recognition

Appreciation received from Ambassador Tuhin Kumar for contributions to Indian cultural diplomacy.

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Hare Krishna TV

Featured appearances on Hare Krishna Television bringing Odissi to a wider devotional audience.

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Chandalika Production

Lead role in the acclaimed Chandalika production โ€” a landmark in her performance career.

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Vaibhavi Merchant Collaboration

Creative collaboration with the acclaimed Bollywood choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant.

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Best Actress Award 2026

Recipient of the Best Actress Award โ€” recognising artistic brilliance and expressive mastery on stage.

The Vision

Founding SITA โ€” A Mission of Preservation

In 2019, Sita Kadam-Zope founded the Spiritual Institute of Traditional Arts with a clear and urgent mission: to ensure that the ancient, profound, and spiritually nourishing art of Odissi would be transmitted authentically to future generations โ€” regardless of where in the world they lived.

SITA was born from the deep conviction that classical dance is not entertainment alone โ€” it is a living spiritual practice, a vehicle of devotion, and a form of embodied prayer. Through structured curricula, international reach, and an uncompromising commitment to authenticity, SITA carries the Guru Parampara forward into the modern world.

Join the Journey